Meet an IDEA Team Member: Nick Clayton
Get to know our director of partnerships and business development.
Meet Nick Clayton, IDEA’s lively director of partnerships and business development, whose fervor for fitness knows no bounds. With multiple certifications under his belt, Nick is not just a title—he’s a fitness enthusiast on a mission to elevate the industry.
In his one-year tenure at IDEA, Nick’s become our guru on forging partnerships and adding zest to the membership experience. His dedication to industry collaboration and enhanced member benefits is matched by a personal devotion to wellness. Beyond office hours, he crafts online client programming aimed at preventing injuries and enhancing performance.
“Nick’s depth and breadth of fitness knowledge and industry experience is invaluable,” shares Vivian Griggs, IDEA’s online education manager. “And he’s a blast to partner with on projects!”
Off-duty, Nick thrives on family time and outdoor adventures like cycling, mountain biking, and hiking, where his trusty Garmin Edge 530 serves as his fitness sidekick. Whether exploring the great outdoors or driving initiatives at IDEA, Nick infuses every experience with a blend of fun and efficiency!
Get to Know Nick

Q: What’s the toughest athletic or fitness challenge you conquered?
A: Grand Traverse, a 40-mile mountain bike race from Aspen to Crested Butte, with a 3,000-foot starting ascent and over 7,800 feet of total ascent. It’s the only physical endeavor I ever considered quitting, but I couldn’t because the ride back to the start would’ve been just as rough!
Q: What are two bucket list items?
A: Climb Mount Everest and play live music (guitar and vocals).
Q: What’s your favorite or most inspiring IDEA story?
A: Back when I was presenting at IDEA World, my presentation went well and a number of attendees approached me to show gratitude and ask questions. That didn’t always happen at other events, and that’s why it’s the people—IDEA members—who make IDEA great. They are hungry to learn and advance the profession, and they’re genuinely good people.
Q: What gets you pumped and inspires you in life?
A: I have a two-year-old boy whom I want to be a great example to for living a healthy, happy life. I want to be able to keep up with him until he’s 20!
Q: Is there a goal you’re working towards right now?
A: Training for the Cycle to the Summit, a race up Pike’s Peak in Colorado.
Sarah Kolvas
Sarah Kolvas is the content manager for IDEA.





